Zoo May Offer Unique Holiday Gift Ideas

ROYAL OAK (WWJ) – When the shopping mall becomes a zoo this holiday season, shoppers can make the Zoo their one stop for unique holdiay gifts and support the Detroit Zoo at the same time.

The Detroit Zoological Society holiday gift catalog offers many gift ideas that allow the giver to give twice: recipients will love their “zoonique” gifts and the proceeds from sales will help support the animals at the Detroit Zoo.

A Detroit Zoological Society membership provides a year’s supply of “Vitamin Z” with free admission to the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo, free parking, discounts at Zoo gift shops and many other benefits. Prices range from $48 to $175. Residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties receive $10 off all categories and can purchase up to four gift memberships at the discounted rate.

An A.D.O.P.T.S. (Animals Depend on People to Survive) gift package includes a plush animal, photo, fact sheet, personalized adoption certificate and greeting card. The cost is $50 (regularly $70). Or, visit Zoofari Market on your next trip to the Zoo and, for a donation of $15, choose a plush and receive a certificate of adoption. Either way, a gift of A.D.O.P.T.S. helps to improve the Zoo animals’ habitats and provide veterinary treatment.

Contribute to the Adopt-A-School program in lieu of exchanging gifts and provide school supplies to the rural schools and children in the Amazon. Sponsor a child for $25 for a year’s supply of school materials or adopt an entire Peruvian school for $350.

Make a lasting impression at the Zoo with a brick tribute paver engraved with a loved one’s name or special message (cost is $100 to $1,000). A brass-finished laser-etched butterfly can be purchased to commemorate a birthday, wedding, anniversary or the life of a family member, friend or beloved pet (cost is $500).

Zoo Experiences such as Breakfast with the Butterflies ($300 per group of four), Breakfast with the Giraffes and Mingle with the Macaronis (each $500 per group of four) allow visitors to get up close and personal with these Zoo residents. A Guided ZooTour ($100 per person) offers the opportunity to tour the Zoo with a knowledgeable docent on a zero-emission golf cart and visit the animals before the Zoo opens.